With our sunny, mild weather, you might not think of Orlando as a go-to destination for the holidays… but we can’t think of a better place to be to celebrate! Come December, Orlando has some of the best fun family activities, and it definitely has some of the best weather.
Indeed, thousands of tourists make their way south every year to soak in some of the extra magic our world-class theme parks provide. Thousands more locals set out in search fun holiday things to do in Orlando.
In honor of the holidays, we rounded up some of the best Orlando activities to enjoy this season.
Experience the magic at our theme parks.
Our theme parks are can’t-miss Orlando attractions. And for the holidays, the parks really do it up with events for kids, adults, and everyone in between! At Universal, families can feel like they’re in New York with giant balloons at the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. They can also dive into the magical spirit of Harry Potter, and of course, meet The Grinch. Or head over to the House of Mouse for Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours at Magic Kingdom, which features themed fireworks, special treats and more. For so many, visiting the theme parks is an annual tradition, and you can’t go wrong.
Meet the big man himself at the Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park
Itching for the cutest family holiday photos this year? ICON Park has just the thing! Bring the whole family to the Santa Workshop Experience for a fun and safe photo session with Santa. After taking your photos, catch a ride on the Pearl Express Train, which is decked out for the holidays! Finally, hop on The Wheel and soar high above Orlando to get a view of the twinkling Christmas lights from 400 feet in the sky. It’s on the must-do list of Florida attractions.
Get into the spirit at Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland As part of Seminole County’s vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere, we love our friends at Wekiva Island. Every winter, the riverside oasis transforms into a veritable Winter Wonderland! This year, attendees can celebrate the holidays in a huge way with a 20-foot Christmas tree in the glowing Christmas Tree Forest, nightly “snow” flurries and beautiful décor. They also have plenty of special Orlando kids activities, from outdoor Christmas movies to regular visits from Santa.
Go global at Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
If you’re looking for things to do in Orlando with kids, we’ve got just the thing. Come see the Central Florida Zoo like you’ve never seen it before with over 30 different hand-constructed illuminated lantern displays around the Zoo on a 3/4-mile path! Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild is a unique take on looking at holiday lights, and it’s guaranteed to leave the whole family in awe while you all appreciate the art, beauty and wonder of traditional Asian lantern festivals. In its second year with us, it has been a wildly popular attraction at our Zoo in Orlando, and we hope you’ll be able to make it a yearly tradition!
There are so many things to do in Orlando this holiday season. Whether you’re a parent looking for things to do in Florida with kids or just a kid at heart, the options are endless. We hope you’ll take the time for visit our Florida zoo this holiday season!
